“Compared with beverages in other categories, plant protein drinks in China are usually positioned as traditional and nourishing. However, as usage occasions have expanded beyond breakfast, manufacturers should add new elements into the products to make PPDs more suitable for broader, casual usage occasions.”– Ching Yang, Research Analyst

This report examines the following areas:

Prove the goodness of the ingredients to differentiate from the majority

Positioning PPDs towards the rising unconventional usage occasions

Strategies for classic PPD brands to respond to new entrants

China’s rapidly growing plant protein drinks (PPDs) market has attracted a number of large-scale food and drink manufacturers since 2014, which has injected new blood into this conventional category but has also intensified competition.

Walnut-based and coconut-based PPDs have grabbed the attention of consumers, and walnut is likely to take over soy to become the leading sub-category in the coming years. Compared to 2013, PPD is no longer just a part of breakfast for consumers: data shows that the most common PPD consumption occasions are when relaxing at home and when socialising with family and friends.

For future innovation, consumers are interested in products specially designed for different seasons or demographics. Also, products featuring clean labels and all natural ingredients are not commonly seen in the PPD category.

Plant Protein Drinks (PPDs) include all types of plant-based protein drinks including soy, rice, nut (eg peanuts, almonds), grain (eg oats, quinoa, corn), seed (eg flax seeds, chia seeds), and coconut-based drinks in family packs, individual portion packs and in multipacks in the form of bottles, cans, tubs, cartons, flexible sachets, flexible stand-up pouches and disposable takeaway cups. The market size covers sales through retail channels only, and excludes unpackaged items. However, foodservice outlets are discussed in the consumer research and other parts of the report.

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